The Centre has provided a major relief to the farmers affected by recent floods and landslides in Jammu & Kashmir by releasing the 21st instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme in advance.
Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan transferred Rs 171 crore directly to the bank accounts of 8.55 lakh farmers, including 85,418 women beneficiaries, through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
Chouhan reiterated the Centre’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of farmers and disaster-affected families in Jammu & Kashmir and assured them that under PM Modi’s leadership no one will be left alone in this hour of crisis.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed gratitude to PM Modi and the Union Minister for advance release of 21st instalment of PM-KISAN Scheme for the J&K farmers.
In extending timely relief, the Centre has demonstrated that governance with a human touch can bring real hope to those most vulnerable. For J&K’s farmers, this advance instalment of PM-KISAN is more than a payment—it is a reassurance that in moments of distress, they are not alone. The challenge now is to convert this relief into resilience, ensuring that the region’s agricultural backbone emerges stronger, more secure, and future-ready.
It is worth noting that the floods and landslides have come at a time when J&K’s agricultural sector was already grappling with challenges—ranging from unseasonal rains affecting fruit crops to logistical hurdles in marketing produce. The Centre’s intervention through PM-KISAN offers immediate succour, but the long-term solution lies in building climate-resilient agriculture. This includes strengthening irrigation systems, expanding crop insurance coverage, promoting soil and water conservation, and encouraging farmers to diversify into high-value and less weather-dependent crops.
The recent crisis serves as a reminder that while financial assistance is vital, sustainable mitigation and preparedness are equally important. The government’s ongoing efforts to digitize land records, expand access to institutional credit, and promote agri-infrastructure through schemes like the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund must continue in parallel to build resilience.
The PM-KISAN scheme, launched in 2019, has been a cornerstone of the government’s farmer welfare agenda, providing Rs 6,000 annually in three equal instalments to small and marginal farmers. Beyond its financial dimension, the scheme represents a safety net for the rural economy—one that cushions farmers against unforeseen shocks such as erratic weather, pest infestations, and now, climate-induced disasters. |
